FOUND after 13 YEARS of trying! Find of a life-time mudlarking!

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© Simon Bourne 2024
Mallet bottle

[@JohnHogno]

Si WEĹL DONE on your mallet bottle. That it could be 1750-1780 blow my tiny mind. As an Australian 🇦🇺 time frame that I can relate to, this bottle could have been made 20 years before Captain James Cook discovered Australia in 1770. WOW 👍

[@LisaBell-k9q]

I really like the lamp. You can see the markings clearly.

[@BeaEss]

Six fox cubs! How amazing! We feed the local foxes and the badgers living under our back garden. They bring their babies into the garden to see us. My cats are fascinated by them all. We've also had baby deer and baby boar. Wildlife is so precious!

[@lechatel]

A word of caution. A baby boar looks very sweet but invariably means a mamma boar is closeby. They get very defensive of their offspring and that is extremely dangerous.So only watch the baby boar from a distance. I know this from firsthand experience. I live surround by boar and once had a serious run-in with a female boar when its youngster came out of a crop of wheat right by the path beside our house.

[@BeaEss]

@@lechatel I agree, I was watching the baby boar safely from the other side of my fence - they were in the corn field behind my house. Luckily I had my camera handy and videoed her. Never get between a boar and her baby - or any animal and her baby. We only get the boar when there's corn and they can hide in it but she came right up to the fence because their eyesight is so poor. She wandered back off into the field. Are you in FoD by any chance?

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

Wow. You must live near one of the Forests?.

[@BeaEss]

@@uncletiggermclaren7592 Yes, the Forest of Dean. I was born in SE London, lived all over England, Scotland and Wales but this is the best place of all. It would take a bomb under me to make me move away!

[@lechatel]

@@BeaEss No. We are in Normandie. (Though I know they get boar in the Forest of Dean.) There has been an explosion of boar numbers in recent years-probably down to the increased growing of maize. We get wolves now, too. (One thing leads to another.)

[@EricSmith-qy3oi]

That old expression was right: Good things come to those who flail around in the f***ing mud. Lovely bottle!

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Eric👍🏻🐾🧡

[@divaden47]

It's astonishing to see just how many Roman pieces of ceramics are left lying around from over 1,400 years ago.

[@staceytroffer8287]

Right! “Oh, just this piece of ROMAN POTTERY…… .yeah, it’s just everywhere.” Wow.

[@Sifinds]

Yes it’s crazy

[@hazel3564]

I really love that you are an animal lover! The Fox cubs are so cute. Thanks for all that you do.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Hazel👍🏻🐾🧡

[@cdd4248]

I really love and respect that he is an animal lover too!

[@jackicser6823]

Hello Si, I'm the little old lady from the States who wants to adopt you...I watch one of your episodes before I retire for the evening hoping I'll dream of going with you on one of your adventures. I love that you found that old Mallet bottle, I went on bottle digs many times in my earlier years and still have many of those I found. I learn a lot of history from you finds as well, and love also that you include your lovely kitties and chooks in your vids as well. Thank you for vicariously bringing me along and cheers to you, continue on finding wonderful things and turning some of them into your crafty artsy items!

[@Sifinds]

Aw thanks so much Jackie! Glad I can be part of your viewing entertainment! Tell ya mates!!

[@annfahy2589]

😊

[@jacquelinewillems981]

All I can think of is, "I think she needs a hobby."

[@My2Pennyworth]

Thanks - Dreamboat on a Hovercraft - and you were good too Si! Super treasure, super up-cycle and super cute fox cubs!

[@Sifinds]

Hey Penny. Thanks so much my Angel. The foxes play in the garden during the day the cheeky little scamps x 🦊

[@wendymuller8354]

I really love the lamp upcycle, it looks fantastic! And the fox cubs!!! So sweet!!!😍😍😍

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Wendy👍🏻🐾🧡

[@thomascroft5076]

Agreed, it does look great. My only suggestion would have been for a lower wattage bulb, as the one Si used appeared to take out the detail from the embossing - although this could just have been a flaring effect when the camera was pointed at it. That fox cub video would be an internet breaker if posted independently! I really respect his care for wildlife and the environment in general.

[@LaurieDean-wy3xb]

I'm so in love with the wine bottle lamp!!!!!!! Great job!❤❤❤

[@paulamccann9109]

I love the fox “kits” as we call them here in US. Momma Fox trusts you and your space to make her den with you! Love the light upcycle and all the bottles and pottery you find!

[@terriewheatley-ward729]

Nellie did a wonderful job displaying the bowl. Great finds!

[@Sifinds]

He did! 🐈‍⬛ star of the show

[@debraslotkinshulman7173]

Congratulations on finding your first ever mallet bottle! Always enjoy watching you create useful objects from, what looks like, junk! And who can resist watching fox kits! Thanks for another wonderful video!

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Deb👍🏻🐾🧡

[@Cat-p9g]

lovely footage of the fox cubs and your chickens, the lamp is fantastic!

[@Helencuddles]

Love your calm fun attitude, your creativity and your love for animals Si🩵

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Helen👍🏻🐾🧡

[@CarolLiptrot-yq8tt]

That bottle lamp was amazing and how nice did that wood end up. Brilliant. Fox cubs are so cute.

[@woodcox0171]

Wonderful woodworking Si. You likely nailed it, it looks like mahogany family from here.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Mudlover 👍🏻🐾🧡

[@donnaking0715]

What a Beautiful one of a kind lamp, I truly enjoyed watching this video ❤ i love the baby foxes 🐾

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Donna👍🏻🐾🧡

[@cruising1792]

I am thrilled for you, finding that bottle. Incredible to think a glass item remained intact for all that time! The Roman dog bowl is amazing, too. The fish traps are interesting, I think. Possible remnants of an ancient people, so tantalising. The Slopers bottle lamp is very novel. 6 fox cubs!? How gorgeous. I am convinced that these good things come to you because you deserve them, Si Thank you for brightening up another Sunday.

[@Sifinds]

Thanks so much Mudlover 👍🏻🐾🧡

[@aleta5873]

The baby foxes are adorable. Thank you for caring.

[@alexcarle8086]

Leaving that huge aqua colour pickle bottle made me wish i was there. I would have happily lugged it back!! Lol 😂 congrats on the mallet!! Nice upcycling, you're very creative. Excellent supurrvision by Nelly and Daisy. Cute fox cubs too

[@bonnerdebbie]

Congrats on the mallet bottle, awesome upcycle on the lamp. Fox cubs are adorable!! Thanks Si!

[@suechandler8162]

Santalum spicatum is Australian sandalwood. Chinese buyers came to WA where the locals cut it for them. It hardly grows an inch un a year. There is not much left. The camels like it too.

[@FrancesHennessey-z3b]

How adorable are those fox cubs, so pleased that you're helping them thrive

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Mudlover!👍🏻🐾🧡

[@monalisamoshpit]

I love it! There’s a bit of everything here. Mud, artifacts, diy upcycle, lil babies! Great vid.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Mon👍🏻🐾🧡

[@jennifervanderdrift3207]

Wonderful finds, well deserved. The fox cubs are a delight, thank you for caring for them all.

[@witchmojo13]

Thanks for those adorable bundles of cuteness! Also congrats on your bucket list find.

[@Sifinds]

Thanks so much!!!! More pet food ordered 👍🏻🐾🧡

[@theajohnston761]

Foxes are adorable ❤

[@LaurieLeeAnnie]

I’m always mind blown by all the centuries of history surrounding you! Fantastic finds and I always look forward to your upcycles… the lamp turn out lovely! The fox cubs are adorable 🥰

[@deborahdeborah8724]

Love the lamp and foxes!

[@paulkinzer7661]

Si, I think this might be my favorite of all your videos! That's saying something, since I've watched them all, and there have been some amazing finds and other great content. But this one has it all: a wide variety of very cool finds, their history -- from ancient Rome to a cheeky cartoon character -- a really beautiful upcycle, AND six fox cubs?! You've made my day.

[@Sifinds]

Aw thanks so much Paul. Very kind of you to say. Cheers Mudlover 👍🏻🐾🧡

[@kellyrager3456]

Thank you for saving the history, restoring aka upcycling and taking care of the water. God Bless

[@wendymuller8354]

A mallet bottle!!! You Beauty!!!! Well done Si! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@jeanettemarkley7299]

Well done. Cheers.

[@goodpeople5676]

Superb findings, awesome bottle, and beautiful upcycle. Enjoyed the fox cubs 😂😂 . Take care of your chickens 🐔. Nilly is looking smart 👌 😅 Enjoy With love from SAM Guwahati, Assam, India 🇮🇳 ♥️

[@respectanimals2]

Great finds , excellent vid , thanks for loving the animals and respecting nature, you are the best , peace ✌️

[@tanithmessenger3581]

Congrats on your mallet bottle! Awesome find!!! Love the upcycled lamp, it looks great 🙂 Awww 6 fox cubs, they're adorable. Great to see Daisy & Nelly as always - and you of course lol - sadly had to say goodbye to one of my cats on Friday ☹. Wonderful to hear the birds singing in the background whilst watching the foxes, thanks for sharing! Have a good week.

[@enduringhope6859]

So.loved this video!! Great upcycle! You are a constant part of my Sundays! The fox cubs are darling...1, 2, 3...4..5..6!!!

[@IngenerateIngenue]

Hi Si, in the 50’s and 60’s my dad was a farm tractor driver and when ploughing fields, he would often take a walk along the freshly turned furrows specifically to look for fossils but would often find pieces of old pottery and Roman mosaic floor tiles, as well as interesting fossils and other metal objects. I wish I had kept his collection.

[@ninamoores]

Lovely video right down to the cubs and birdsong at the end.

[@SmallWonda]

Yes, you do have a lovely garden, Si - a haven for wildlife and friends that you might not expect in your neck of the woods. So special to hear the blackbird singing so contentedly. And brilliant finds - so many great bottles - always enjoy a jaunt with the Hovercraft, always bound to find something special. Keep safe up there!

[@Sifinds]

Blackbirds are my fav bird song!

[@seanwelch71]

That lamp turned out fantastic! Great finds. Art and crafts remain universal heritage. Peace!

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Sean👍🏻🐾🧡

[@giaatta9303]

Thank you Si. I am so enjoying my green Victorian and my pipes!

[@iainweller452]

Great find with the mallet bottle, love that upcycle 😻🦊

[@jaclynstewartoclair208]

Nice lamp. Those fox cubs are so adorable. Thanks for sharing.

[@zeenatbaer138]

Fab finds, more Si creativity.. congrats on the superb bottle🎉 ... thank you for a lovely lark you and Mark. Love that you are an animal lover just I need to tell you .. super cute fox's so great you are happy for them to stay, please do not feed them especially not unnatural food like that, with such young cubs that could really mess them up, at the least a bad tummy ache, they are still on mummy milk, and you should leave the mum to feed them. Fox's must have fur and feather in their diet, best to check with wildlife experts. Plus you better make sure your chicken shed is like Fort Knox, a fox can get into anything. I grew up on a farm, it's not pretty what carnage a fox can wreak. Not meaning to offend or be rude or negative, just worried for your chooks etc. I see what a kind lovely guy you are and we all want what is best for the animal world. 🤗

[@Toon-Tony]

Ive said it once and ill say it again.. by far the best dude on you tube doing the hobbys we all love.. Great finds great video and awesome up cycle... you the man Si 👏👏👏💚💪

[@Sifinds]

Thanks so much Tony! Much love bro 😎

[@williamlavagna1096]

Nice mallet

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

Brilliant mallet bottle! Adorable cubs! Thanks for the journeys!

[@lexieslarksandcrafts]

Super rare find? In the UK that is a dentist or a doctors appointment 🤣

[@margaretgarrett6632]

😂 true !!

[@allisonryder4781]

In Canada it's having a doctor!

[@jamesdarrenhepworth7014]

So true 😁😁😁

[@stephanietorres4612]

A same day appointment 😂😂😂😂

[@Supersnipergirl1]

Same in the Netherlands… and after a month of waiting with pain in my belly and not getting thoroughly examined I got told to eat prunes in the morning… o well guess I’ll just die early 😂🤣

[@larisaz6967]

Hi Si, greetings from Pennsylvania, USA. Love your mallet bottle, congrats on that beauty! Loved the lamp upcycle, too. There is a resident fox in my neighborhood, too, we call him /her "hamilton", as I live in Hamilton Park. Cheers from Larisa! XO

[@chipking6036]

Have you found your marbles then?😂😂

[@Sifinds]

Still looking mate

[@chipking6036]

@@Sifinds i’ve given up looking 😂😂

[@janahertzberg6485]

Wow! Love the mallet but the lamp is amazing! Look at those babies. They are so cute!

[@markcolyer1989]

I think I've an idea what it ie m8

[@markcolyer1989]

We had matching head sets on this day at the Said Location xxx

[@Sifinds]

I should hope so too love

[@joankolek8373]

It's so much fun to watch you get lucky with your finds,the foxes are very cute, your a lucky man.

[@marionjohansson4235]

Oh my word, those cubs are cute

[@MattBannan]

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FIND AND...NICE UPCYCLE!!!

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Mudlover👍🏻🐾🧡

[@tricial4330]

Adorable! and the fox cubs/kits are too! Love ya, Si! 🦊🦊🦊💞💞💞

[@promgirl72]

❤ thank you for feeding the animals. Love your videos!

[@annettefournier9655]

Great day in the morning! Mallet bottle, got that🤬 lamp to come together, and it's a beauty, STD pill bottle, Roman half bowl and 6 baby fox kits! Super! Thanks Si🎉

[@zainabasif7376]

Si actually reads all the comments. Last time, i requested him to bring roman pottery pieces, and he did this time. Love the amazing content. Also the old coins you have found so far, put them in a frame and do the same with the buttons you have found. It'll look wonderful

[@KarenMcNeil-en2fn]

Lovely ending. What a brood! Lovely birds singing too 🙂

[@kathysenn7664]

ohhhh, the little foxes are adorable!!! I wonder if their fur is soft? no touch I should think-- momma fox might not take too kindly to that. the mallet (spelling?) bottle is spectacular.. and the bottle lamp is very functional!! =) Mark's hat is cool! makes me think of Robin Hood and/or Peter Pan! thanks for taking us along on another Sunday lark!! Helloo to kitty cats, bukbuks, hedgehog(s) birds and foxes!! did I miss any wildlifes? ttfn!!

[@marykunselman284]

So pleased for you Si I think your mallet bottle is one of your top find as you’ve been looking for it for years congratulations again

[@Gloria-qy3dd]

Hi Mud lover ,and friends Si love to watch you do projects,blessings

[@GlennJEvans6567]

Superb,absolutely fantastic light SI ,such brilliant finds on your mudlarks, totally jealous 😊and such wonderful wildlife your looking out for, well done you ❤

[@micah06v8]

Congratulations! I do hope Steve is doing okay. We haven't seen him in a while.

[@suzannesheridan9535]

Fabulous historical finds, and the lamp is stunning. Thanks Si, and love the fox cubs. You are very good to nature and animals. Others could learn from you.

[@tmc0964]

That has to be my fav upcycle to-date!! Amazing!!! I thoroughly enjoyed your lark episode!! Thanks Si for sharing the cute lil critters!! Cheers from Northern California!!

[@lorienray6216]

Congratulations, Very cool find Si, love the lamp, turned out beautiful,the baby fox are the cutest Cannot imagine my finds would end up in a museum, what a honour

[@davidnelson2951]

Awesome thank you for taking care of the foxes, I just love watching your videos.

[@franceshurt3517]

Hi Si, I can now officially call you Mr Dodgy, surely you know a sparky, yet you've managed to create something that looks marvellous, I hope you don't get electrocuted or burn down your house, cheers!!!🥰😘🤔🤨😔😧💕👍👍👍🙏

[@Sifinds]

Simple electrics isn’t hard, but thanks lol

[@trinawagner2471]

I'm so happy that you finally found your mallet bottle. The grain on that wood is beautiful And the lamp turned out lovely. your little foxes are adorable I hope they don't decide that your chickens are dinner.😂

[@sarahyates6055]

Hi Si, I think under the glass dome you should add a piece of your amazing art made from some of your “muddy” finds!

[@sheenamoore3938]

So wonderful about the mallet bottle Si.Really chuffed for you.Some great finds.Nice to see Nelson n Daisy.I feed some foxes here too,along with hedgehogs. Do love it when you find anything from the wars.You always say "We will remember them". Always Si,always.

[@WonderfulWorld316]

Really happy that you finally found a beautiful, complete mallet bottle! 👍Cool lamp creation. And of course I must mention the super cuteness of the fabulous 6! Glad you are helping look after them. Happy mud-venturing and looking forward to seeing more of your finds.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Mudlover!👍🏻🐾🧡

[@amandaheather63]

cuteness overload with the fox cubs. love the Mallet bottle too.

[@karenbright3737]

Congratulations on the mallet bottle. Loved the upcycle! Cute fox cubs too ❤ excellent video.

[@catherineanderson5970]

First baby foxes adorable, and that lamp was stunning!!!

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Cath👍🏻🐾🧡

[@ashleyschenk764]

A lovely lark with Si and Mark.

[@ellenflanery3363]

Really cool lamp!

[@designed_by_danita]

I learn so much from watching your historic-filled videos! Not to mention cute animals, outstanding upcycles, incredible bottle finds, and a great sense of humor! You pack so much in each video! Cheers!

[@Sifinds]

Aw thanks so much👍🏻🐾🧡

[@jodivandyk3649]

Cool lamp! Love it! Well done! And congrats on the mallet bottle find! As far as the fox cubs go, all I can say is AWWWWWWW!!!!!

[@suechandler8162]

Eno's is citric acid and bicarb soda and tartaric acid plus a citrus fruit flavour . It cleans the palate and settles the stomach after a rich meal.

[@kayradford3793]

Wow wow wow.John Alexander Reina Newlands is a relative. His father Rev William Newlands was a brother to my 5th great grandfather John Newlands and the Uncle of my 4th great grandfather John Newlands who came to Australia with his Scottish wife Ann Ure. John Alexander Reina Newlands is buried in West Norwood cemetery and at present his headstone is with the stonemasons being repaired. I am so happy I watched this episode. He was born and home schooled in West Square London and that is where the Blue Plaque can be seen.

[@Sifinds]

No way! That’s incredible. Thanks for sharing

[@Beth_D]

For the babies ❤️😍❤️ Don’t go spending it on wine!

[@Sifinds]

Thanks so much Beth! x Hic 👍🏻🐾🧡

[@treasuretom13]

I love that Mallet Si, it is a top 10'er!! 💚

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Tom!!

[@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059]

Regarding your bottle lamp. I am not a mudlark because I live in the desert and the only river around here is underground most of the year, until we get monsoon rains and flash floods, then the river is a b17{h, I am a history nerd and rock-hound though. A few years ago I found an old (5 inches-ish tall??) teal glass power line insulator, you likely have something similar in the UK from back in the day. I do not know the age, but my dad turned it into a snazzy night light for me. In the area there used to be a now defunct railroad (cargo) that was torn up during WW2 for the iron rails. He turned a 3/4 inch octagon of wood, with short blocks for feet into the base, with a hole for the bulb and cord with decorative brass pins to keep the insulator from sliding around on top and an on/off clicker. I love it, even if other people think it looks gaudy.

[@katey3789]

love to have a tour inside your mud cave assuming that it is all now finished. Loving the finds and the foxes.

[@debraparker8068]

Hello from North Carolina USA. I’m a newbie to mudlarking and I’m hooked on it. I’ve never been to the UK, but I think it would be a awesome trip. Enjoy watching you and friends adventure on the Thames. You’re finding history in the muck! Too cool!! p.s. I love the foxes too.

[@OzzieJayne]

Thank you for sharing those gorgeous fox cubs. You need to get into more wood turning, that bottle looks really great!

[@sharonrush731]

Great video Si , love the lamp up cycle and the fox cubs ❤

[@a.g.6834]

Congratulations Sir Simon to your great Find ! And once again showing how Good-hearted you are Sir ! God bless

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Mudlover!👍🏻🐾🧡

[@sunnydavidson297]

I admire your agility being able to navigate such uneven terrain.

[@Sifinds]

Yes I try my best not to fall and bruise my arse 😂

[@watchesfromedges]

What an uplifting episode to watch! Thanks!

[@marierobinson3935]

Everything comes to those that wait, well done i love the lamp❤ the cubs are adorable❤❤

[@lidybeff]

Love the bottle lamp. Does it get hot? That was a clever idea you had. I also love the way that you find beauty in small things that others may overlook. My husband of 43 years is the same. He has always brought me the tiniest and most beautiful little weed flowers, and other small treasures. That says a lot about your character Simon.

[@julymoon4815]

Another clever upcycle and a very well done, nice to see the fox, all in all a great video. Thank you

[@katherinebarbery1762]

The look of joy on your face when you found that mallet bottle,was ace😊😊😊

[@dinahjackson8146]

YAAAY ! The lamp is WONDERFUL !❤ Some XXXes sent to fur babies... I'm the CAT LADY in my small town.😂

[@stewartevans9753]

Nicola and you are absolutely top people love the vids! Amazing content.😊😊